Member-only story
You Don’t Need to Figure It Out
When not knowing is the best way to go.
The other day I watched my cats eat out of the same food bowl even though they each have their own. They never did this in the two years I’ve mothered them and I wondered why. Why now?
Maybe it was a competition thing. Maybe they were bonding. Maybe…
I stopped myself. Did I really need to figure this out? Can’t I let them eat their food and have the space they need to work out their frenemy relationship?
Whether it’s figuring out why I’m in a foul mood or why someone I work with did that stupid thing or if it’s possible to stunt climate change, I’m constantly thinking about multiple factors that affect situations and people and myself. What caused that? How can I fix it? Why am I not doing enough?
As anxiety-ridden as it sounds (and is), this is a personal character trait I have enjoyed. Friends come to be me for advice and I’m eager to listen, empathize, and attempt to impart wisdom. I psychoanalyze, investigate behaviors and patterns, and probe for more.
I like being this person. But there is a sense of urgency and control with figuring this or that out that takes away spontaneity and joy. It removes the art of manifestation and the beauty of letting go.
